I apologize for my delinquency in posting. I have been overwhelmed in recent weeks, both personally and professionally.
I would like to expound on my last post, which was my talk in sacrament about 3 weeks or so ago, based on Elder Johnson’s conference address, titled “More Than Conquerors Through Him Who Loved Us”. In his talk, Elder Johnson talks about the purposes of adversity and trials, what we should learn or gain from them . He briefly touches on a few of the why’s…which is what I would like to address here. Learning from our challenges is important, but knowing why they happen in the first place helps those lessons come to us.
I believe there are 3 main “causes” of adversity, if you will.
1. Choices we make.
2.Choices others make.
3.Just because.
Adversity as a result of the choices we make is fairly easily understood. We are taught as children and youth that our choices, be they good or bad, have a consequence or end result. Good choices typically have good consequences, even if not altogether popular. Bad choices have bad consequences, whether immediately identified or not. We know that if we go to work and do what we are instructed to do, the consequence (result) is that we will be paid. However, if we go to work, and either don’t do what we know we are to do or we purposefully do things we shouldn’t, the consequence could be that we get counseled or even fired. Every choice we make has a consequence. Not making a choice is still choosing.
Adversity as a result of the choices others make is a lot less understood, and I dare say a lot more painful. I have friends who have been injured and others who have died in car accidents because another person chose to drive while drunk. Or chose to drive too fast. Then there are those who choose not to go on a mission—just think of the many souls who do not receive the gospel because that one person didn’t go. The families that are bent (but not broken) when one spouse chooses to step outside the bounds of marriage. It is easy to blame, but so much better to recognize what can be learned from the experience. Dwelling on the wrongs caused by another only hurt ourselves.
Adversity and challenges that occur through no fault of our own and through no action of another are probably the most difficult to understand. Bad things happen to good people. Children become stricken with cancer. Babies are born too small, too soon, too fragile to survive. These are also the challenges that have the most opportunity for growth and learning. It is easy (sometimes in retrospect) to see what should be learned from our mistakes and from those of others inflicted on us, but it is sometimes not as easy to see what we should learn from things that just happen. And perhaps the most important lesson was taught to Joseph Smith while in Liberty Jail (D&C 122:7) “…all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”
And this, my friends, is the key to finding happiness in this life.
1) Who has the capacity to make you angrier than anyone else in your life, and what in particular does he or she do to make you so angry?
it's not a who so much as a what....our judicial system sucks...just saying.
2) If you could mix three animals together, which ones would you choose to make the ultimate animal?
i'm not sure, cuz my favorite animals have different life sustaining environments....dolphins, meerkats, and unicorns....
3) What is the last thing you regret buying?
i regret a lot of things, but nothing i've purchased comes to mind
4) The final "Harry Potter" movie opened in theaters across the United States today. Did you attend a midnight showing overnight or do you plan to see the movie in a theater at some point in the future?
no and no....not a huge harry potter fan. If I watch the movie(s), it will be at home, not at the theatre.
5) Some people have made the "Harry Potter" series a large part of their lives and are now depressed that the series is coming to its end. What is your take on the "Harry Potter" phenomenon overall? Are you a fan or do you not even care about the series at all?
everybody needs an obsession, an escape...mine just doesn't happen to be Harry Potter
6) What topic does not receive as much mainstream media coverage as it should?
????
7) Did you ever keep a journal? What types of things did you write in your journal? Was it just written words or did you make drawings in it?
I still keep a journal...I write everything in it...my thoughts, poems, things to do, inspirations, insights...I also have a scripture journal where I keep quotes and ideas for scripture topics
8) What non-banking related card in your wallet/purse is the most valuable to you (library card, store loyalty card, business card, etc.)?
my Temple Recommend :)
9) Does your full name make any interesting anagrams (an anagram is a word, phrase, or sentence formed from another by rearranging its letters in case you didn't know)? You can use this link if you need help: http://wordsmith.org/anagram.
I wouldn't call any of what i found interesting at all...so not posting...they made no sense...my initials however are T M J ...and, yes, i have TMJ :(
10) Do you remember any of your recent dreams? Tell me about one (the weirder the better)
they aren't recent...but I do remember a few of my dreams....one is posted and the other is in my journal ;)
1) If a fairy waved a magic wand and gave you the house of your dreams, where would it be and what features would it have?
lots and lots of room.....it would be on a large piece of land, with trees, and room for gardens, a zero entry inground pool, and whatever else I might want. As for the house, bay windows, large kitchen with an island and a pantry for food storage, lots of rooms, screen doors and windows,
2) If you woke up as a member of the opposite gender, what would be the first thing you'd do?
cry
3) Today (July 14) is National Nude Day. Will you celebrate by sleeping in the nude or do you sleep wearing some sort of garments?
the only thing i do in the nude is shower....
4) How would your life change if all your thoughts were displayed in thought bubbles above your head like in comics?
I would have to become like Bella.....noone needs to see my thoughts....
5) If a new medicine were developed that would cure HIV/AIDS, but cause a fatal reaction in one percent of those who took it, would you want it to be released to the public?
every medication has a percentage of fatal reactions....1% is not alot...there are more people who have and will die from AIDS than what the 1% would harm
6) What would you do if you made some type of a mistake and somebody died as a result of your mistake?
if the mistake was not the result of actual negligence, then I would have to hope for the forgiving and understanding nature of the family
7) If you were a geometric shape what would you like to be?
i don't know....something unique, with lots of sides
8) What is something you would never do as a guest in someone else's house?
be nosy...if pictures and such are sitting out, I would look at them, but I never open anything that is closed without permission
9) How do you feel about women using their bras as pockets to hold money or keys or cell phones or other things?
as a temporary holding spot, not a problem, but long term or regular...that's gross
10) What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?
that the only good men left are taken, too old, too young, or gay..I am told that there are still good guys left..but I disagree. I'll just wait until I get to Heaven...at least when I'm there, i don't have to worry about whether they are trustworthy....cuz if they make it there, they are :)
I'm still figuring out who "myself" is...but probably in the evening when I'm home with my boys just hanging out and doing what we do
{4} Describe your life in a 6 word sentence.
Soon to be single working mom
{5} Share one of your most beloved childhood memory.
we traveled alot when i was a child due to my dad's military service...I remember when we came back from Germany the second time, we flew into New York City. The taxi company that picked us up was a limo...and we drove by the Statue of Liberty. At 12 years old, I thought that was pretty cool.
1. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid? What has changed most about the neighborhood you grew up in?
i know that it's changed quite a bit...but it's been a few years since I've been back. so, honestly, I don't know
2. What song makes you laugh?
anything my son sings...because it amazes me the jingles and songs he remembers, not because it's funny
3. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Read all the books? Seen any/all of the movies? Will you be standing in line somewhere close to midnight later this week? For those of you playing along who live outside the US or UK is Harry Potter a phenomenon in your part of the world?
a fan...sure. Read all the books...no. Seen a couple of the movies...and no will not be standing in line for tickets at any time of day.
4. If the truth hurts will you tell a lie? Are we better off as a society in a world that allows no form of deception whatsoever?
to a certain extent i think it depends on what the "lie" is...but for the most part, I truly believe honesty is the best policy. One little lie become 2 and then 3 and they get bigger and worse. Most of the time, one can say what needs to be said tactfully enough without hurting feelings and without lying.
Anyone who will tell you a small lie will tell a big lie.
And anyone who will lie to you will lie about you.
5. What is your favorite 'sauteed in garlic and butter' food ? Or garlic and olive oil if that makes you feel better.
mushrooms, without a doubt
6. Attending any reunions this summer/year? High school/class? Family? Other? Do these events stir up excitement or dread?
no...my 20 yr high school reunion was last year....sadly, I was unable to attend
7. lilacs, hydrangea, peony...pick one.
I don't know...I only know a few varieties of flowers...and those are not among the ones i know
8. Insert your own random thought here.
on my way to see a dress a friend made...it's going to be BEAUTIFUL... I just know it!
1) We all have inner demons of some sort. Would you love to read your inner demon's very personal diary?
sure, because if my inner demons are keeping a diary..then the emotions they fester will be let out..and the demons can be conquered
2) The movie "Horrible Bosses" opened across the U.S. last week. The movie follows friends who plan to kill their horrible bosses. If your boss appeared in a movie, what kind of character would he or she play?
some sort of dancing fool...my boss is awesome and likes to have a good time
3) I clicked on a random online quote generator the other day, and it said: "Cake is actually God in disguise, you know." What would you say is God (or Satan, if you're feeling wacky) in disguise?
God does not disquise himself...Satan however, uses whatever means he can to infiltrate our lives
4) If you moved to Sesame Street, who would you want as your neighbor? Why?
it would have to be Big Bird...my son would settle for noone else ...Why? because he's YELLOW!
5) What is a song that you secretly like but won't normally admit to liking and will only sing/dance to in private?
if i secretly like it, why would I post it here?
6) Even the most lazy slackers are anal-retentive about something. What are you anal-retentive about?
I'm OCD...the real question is what am I NOT anal retentive about :)
7) My mom's always griping about how nothing in her home matches. Do you prefer to have the items in your house (furniture, appliances, dishes, etc.) match or do you like to mix-match?
prefer...yes. Do they...no.
8) People who visit my home often comment on the fact that I have a voodoo kit on my living room's bookshelf. Assuming it would actually work... if you could use a voodoo doll to hurt anyone you chose, would you?
as tempting as it might be...no
9) If you could win an award for something you do or have done in the past, what kind of award would you win?
something crafty or literary....I write poems and I do all kinds of crafts
10) My sister-in-law is eight months pregnant and mailed me a thank you card for a baby gift. The card included a photo of her and her naked, exposed pregnant belly. It creeped me out. Does it bother you to see someone's naked pregnancy belly exposed?
it depends...if photos are taken as part of a pregnancy photo shoot..not too much. But women who purposely dress to show their bellies..not so attractive, thanks.
at this point in time....no, not so much..i am sitting in my room with a ceiling fan and two other fans blowing on me and my son. Our AC unit is 1)too small for our house and 2)can't keep up with the heat
2. What activities have you done in the last week?
not alot...we've been under heat advisories and code orange warnings for the last several days
3. What types of food do you tend to eat more of in the summer?
stovetop prepared..anything to keep from turning on the oven
4. How much time are you spending outside?
very little, except to go the pool
5. Is there any fun projects you are working on inside or outside your house?
projects, yes...fun, maybe not so much (they are enjoyable to me...but probably not things most would find "fun")
we always had pets growing up, and more than one claimed me....but MY first pet was one of two cats (I forget which I had first)....Claws and Jaws (aka CJ)--she was a siamese, white with brown ears and brown paws, the most piercing blue eyes I've ever seen. I also had a Manx, named Midnight, as she was entirely silky black with green eyes. And no tail, of course.
3. Dogs-- are they indoor pets or outdoor animals?
1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water?
start the water, then get in
2. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex?
I have
3. Were you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings?
not that I recall
4. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot?
I don't use bar soap...I use shower gel, and yes, I have dropped it on my foot
5. How old do people say you look?
stopped asking that a long time ago, but I know it's younger than I feel
6. How old do you act?
depends on the day and who I'm with
7. What’s the last song you sang?
i don't know...I sing along to the radio or my itunes all the time...
8. Have you recently become a member of anything?
only a few groups on facebook
9. What are your plans for next weekend?
nothing definite..I'm sure we'll be going to the Y on Saturday, and I have to go to work on Sunday for a bit..we're having a system upgrade and since I'm the primary system administrator....i have to be there to test and validate the new system before it goes live
10. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed?
closed
11. Whats the sexiest thing about Sarah Palin?
I don't know about sexy (being that I'm female, and that's just weird)...she has gorgeous hair
12. Who’s the sexiest famous woman alive?
I will defer this answer to the males
13. Who’s the sexiest famous man alive?
I don't know his name, and I don't know how famous he might be...but the actor that plays McGarrett on Hawaii 5-O is smoking HOT!
14. Does your family have a crazy uncle?
doesn't everyone?
15. Have you ever smuggled something into another country?
um..no...the last time I was in another country, I was 9 years old
16. Do you live in a city with a good sports team?
my son would say so...I think..of course that is always in relation to whomever they are playing
17. What is the most unusual?
unusual...what?
18. How do feel about the Goth people?
19. Can you fix or your significant other your own car?
my mechanical skills are very limited....
20. Would you want to kill Casey Anthony yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it?
oh no...I want her to face the one and only person who can truly make her answer for her part in her daughter's death
LAST WEEK
1. If the moon were to be mistaken for a celebrity, who would it be?
no idea
2. What's a ghost to you?
a spirit that for whatever reason comes to visit us
3. If you had to do anything with your sworn enemy, what would it be?
i don't have any sworn enemies...i have a few people I would rather not have to deal with (and I'm aware the feeling is mutual)..but no sworn enemies
4. Oh no, Marge Simpson got kidnapped by aliens! What do you say to the aliens to get her back?
hmm...since she doesn't exist, and aliens don't exist...i'm thinking I'd be visiting the pysch unit if I were to say anything about bringing her back
5. Have you ever had lunch together with your neighbor?
i have not
6. If you had to pick your own personal theme song, what would it be?
A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans
7. Describe what's sexy to you.
I'd rather not...I know of noone personally that fits that description; being sexy is so much more than physical attributes
8. A vampire suddenly knows all your secrets. What do you do?
I have no secrets, but if it's Edward Cullen.... ;)
9. If had to have a role in a movie, what kind of character would you prefer to play?
the background kind...like a person walking by in the background
10. You have to read a coworker's (or friends) very personal diary. You pick the person. Who is it and why?
I can't imagine why anyone would have to read another person's diary, but if i did, I'd pick Jenn, simply because I probably know most of what's in it anyway...if not the details, at least the subject matter. We talk daily, about just about every aspect of our lives....
LAST WEEK...AGAIN
1. Last movie you saw in a theater?
Eclipse, last summer
2. What book are you reading?
Surviving Separation and Divorce, Narcissistic Lovers, and just bought Chicken Soup for the Soul Divorce and Recovery
3. Favorite board game?
i like Sorry and Monopoly
4. Favorite magazine?
Scrapbooks Etc, Creating Keepsakes, Crochet Today and most any cupcake magazine
5. Favorite smells?
my son just after his bath, vanilla anything, pomegranite...but I have to say, i just got some new Scentsy bars and Kahiko Hula is amazing...
6. Favorite sounds?
the sound of moving water...like a river, stream, waterfall, etc
7. Worst feeling in the world?
feeling helpless...like when your child hurts and there is nothing you can do about it except hug them and tell them it wil be ok
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
already?
9. Favorite fast food place?
chick fil a
10. What’s under your bed?
nothing...i just rearranged my room, so truly, nothing
11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?
pay all my bills, buy a house, pay for my children's college and missions, go on vacation,
12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
i do not...except when my son falls asleep on my bed with his stuffed animal
13. Storms – cool or scary?
if it's just straight rain, not so bad as long as I don't have to drive in it; add lightening, thunder, wind and any other elements, not so cool at all
14. Favorite drink?
dr pepper
15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?
finish my multitude of in progress projects
16. If you had to dye your hair another color, what would be your choice?
i currently color it blonde every other month or so anyway
17. Favorite place to relax?
in the pedicure chair at the nail place....heavenly!
18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?
seriously? ok...here goes (in no particular order): Landstuhl, Germany; Ramstein, Germany; West Berlin, Germany; Ft. Hood, Texas; Waco, Texas; Hallsburg, Texas; Lacy Lakeview, Texas; Ft. Meade, Maryland; Lockhart, Texas; Cordova, TN; Collierville, TN; Woodway, Texas;
19. Favorite sports to watch?
hockey, but only in real life
20. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
if I was born with the knowledge I have now...sure, because I would definitely make different choices
1. Have you ever tried to rekindle a past relationship against the odds?
no..I have been accused of trying to or wanting to, but no I neither wanted nor attempted
2. Do you like your job, or daily routine?
i love my job...
3. Do you find time to 'smell the flowers' so to speak?
i try
4. Do you have any problems thinking of things to write about in your blog?
no...this one is strictly for memes, my family blog is for family stuff....never a shortage of topics
5. Do others consider you well organized?
yes....and i am most of the time
6. Do you always have a “Plan B” just in case?
not always, no
7. How do you find yourself adjusting to new situations?
I' m the first to admit I don't necessarily embrace change, but I also know it is a necessary part of life...so i do the best I can
8. Are you happy with where you are in this point of your life?
where I'm at is not where I ever expected to be, but, yes I am happy...
"I like being alone...more than being with the wrong person."
"It's better to be single than wish you were."
IT'S ALL ABOUT ME from this point on.... If you have done me wrong: made a fool out of me, hurt my children in any way, misused my trust, lied about me, taken me for money, cheated your way into my heart, talked horribly about my best friends or my family... then I have no room for you.
If you have loved me when I wasn't lovable, always told me the truth even if it was hard to take, shared the best times of my life without drama, accepted my children, encouraged my happiness and success in my job,thought I was beautiful on my worst days, practiced sensible morals, gave me the benefit of the doubt, laughed with me uncontrollably, knew the real me and defended me when others knocked me down, gave me a shoulder to cry on when things got tough.. that, to me, is a real friend. And they are few and far between.
I can see EVERYTHING from here; where I've BEEN and what I've LEFT behind; where I'm GOING and who I WISH to be. I've NAMED my fears and OVERCOME a few, SWALLOWED my regrets, FOCUSED on what to cherish and what to CHANGE, and tried to ACCEPT the things I cannot help. Life is GOOD and I have LEARNED a lot .
9. Do you find the aging process we all go through easy or difficult?
1. The best news I ever received was...ooohhhh, it's a toss up between graduating college and receiving my temple recommend (which is a recent).
2. Something I'm looking forward to is - Tuesday. If you know me, you know why. ;)
3. Something I would never do ispretty much everything I've been accused of doing are the very things I would never do.
4. If I could choose someone to be my life coach (famous or not, living or dead), I'd chooseJesus Christ. What better example of how to live and to treat others?
5. If I had to put a label on my style it would bejust me.
6. One should alwaysthink before speaking (or posting) and question anything that can't be validated.
7. I want towake up one morning with no pains. That is not likely anytime soon....many of my pains are stress induced, and stress is a constant companion, I'm afraid.
1. Blue skiesare perfect to sit and daydream under.
2.Walks downmemory lane can be painful.
3. Kidsare one of life's greatest blessings and greatest challenge all at once.
4.Exploring new places, trying new foods or restaurants, and making memories captured on film with family;these are some of the best things about vacation.
5. Love isone of the strongest emotions, and one of the most often abused.
6.I have never heard ofsubmarine races.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward tonot much going on, tomorrow my plans includetaking Kraig to Home Depot kids workshop, and going to the Redbirds gameand Sunday, I want togo to church, take a nap, and catch up on my blog, among other things!
1.Of the five weekdays, which is the easiest to get through?
FRIDAYS!!!! cuz with a few exceptions, even when they're bad, they're good. Plus, it's nap day for me, since I get off early most Fridays.
2.Which of the five little piggies is the most bizarrely characterized?
don't know that I've ever given it much thought....i guess the little one--where was he running home from????
3.Of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood, from which do you draw your power?
I've been told i can shoot daggers with my eyes...so either fire or metal...
4.Haribo Gummy Bears come in five flavors: pineapple (white), strawberry (green), raspberry (red), lemon (yellow) and orange (orange). Which is your favorite?
NONE...i don't like gummy bears
5.Which of the five basic tastes (sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and savoriness) best describes your personality?
a few months ago, it would have been bitterness...now probably savory. As in savor the moments, learn from them, and do what i can not to repeat the mistakes I've made.
1. No weight gain---I have stayed the same for 3 weeks now, so while I would prefer to be saying I've lost...at least I haven't gained.
2. 3 day weekend--well sort of...I will work from home a few hours, but I don't have to go in to the office on Monday
3. Redbirds game and Fireworks--I took my sons to the baseball game on Sat and enjoyed the fireworks show afterwards. They won as well, so good news all around.
4. Kraig's rash is clearing up--he started developing a rash last week that just kept spreading, took him to the dr and she said it looks like hives. He's allergic to something but I have no idea what....she prescribed a steroid and suggested an over the counter antihistimine. The rash is no longer red and he has all but stopped itching...
5. Saving money on the steroid prescription--the dr gave me a card to save some money on the copay...at 30 bucks I was expecting an astronomical copay for the medicine...nope. My part was only 21 bucks and some change. Sweet!
1) I keep hearing about some cell phone game called "Angry Birds." I've never played it, but I do know what it's like to deal with angry birds in my office's parking garage. Those things will viciously dive at your head. What do you think makes birds so angry?
probably the same thing that makes people angry...not getting what they want.
2) You've been asked to house-sit for someone (a friend, coworker, family member, whomever else it may be). Do you go snooping throughout the house or do you totally respect their privacy?
if I agree to house sit, it will be for someone I know well...so i would probably know where everything is anyway.
3) You turn on the news on your television and see the home you grew up in (or spent a large chuck of your childhood in) going down in flames. Are you sad that the house is on fire or happy that the house will no longer be standing?
I'm sure that I would be sad....I didn't grow up in any one house--my dad was in the Army
4) Do you eat Oreos by taking them apart and licking out the cream first or do you bite right in? Do you dunk them in milk?
if they are regular oreos, I take two apart and put the cream sides together and dunk them. If they are double stuffed (which I prefer)....I still take them apart and dunk them, I just don't put two cream sides together.
5) Have you ever had to call 911 (or whatever emergency system your town has if you don't have 911)? If so, what for?
not that I can recall
6) You and your significant other are out on a date at a fancy restaurant. The waitress brings your bill, and it's $75, but you notice that the waitress forgot to add the $16 dessert that you ordered to the bill. Do you go ahead and just pay the $75 or be honest and say that she forgot to add in the dessert?
I'd tell her
7) Are you a "fix-it-yourself" or a "call-somebody-to-fix-it" type of person?
I try to fix it myself if I can....but will call if I can't
8) HeroBuilders.com, a company that produces many political themed dolls has released now-ex-Congressman Anthony Weiner dolls -- one has anatomically correct genitals while the other has the freakish no-genitals look. Both are dressed in a gym shirt and shorts with a label that reads "Tweet This." If a company made a doll in your likeness, would you want it to be anatomically correct or not?
I don't want a doll made in my likeness period
9) If you found an unmarked suitcase full of cash in the middle of the street, what would you do?
take it to the police
10) It's the middle of the night and you start getting text messages from an unknown number. The first says, "Hey sexy. Im thinkin about you. Whatcha wearin?" When you don't respond, several texts follow. Do you 1) shut off your phone, 2) text back saying they have the wrong number, or 3) play along for a bit and screw with the person?
tell them they have the wrong number
THURSDAY
1) These days almost everything comes with a disclaimer. Sometimes the disclaimer on TV commercials is longer than the description of the product itself. If you came with your own personal disclaimer, what would it say?
"Don't underestimate her...she's smarter and stronger than you think."
2) You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up?
no whos (though others may disagree)....but some whats. Rats have taken up residence in the shed in my back yard. i. hate. rats.
3) Last week the Federal Drug Administration approved new packaging for cigarette packs that it hopes will discourage people from smoking. Some of the labels are very graphic. Do you think this is going too far or do you think the FDA is doing a good thing by making these labels?
too far...probably not...but if the warnings thus far haven't worked so far to make people stop, graphics aren't going to
4) Many people I've known have lost their TV remotes only to find them later in their freezers or refrigerators. Where is the weirdest place you've left your TV remote?
it falls in the trash can every once in a while (we have a small trash can that sits next to the couch)
5) What is something you do when you're sad/depressed that really cheers you up (or at least helps bring you somewhat out of your funk)?
write, listen to music, read the scriptures, journal
6) If I asked your past romantic partners if you were emotionally open, what would they say about you?
they would say no
7) Sonic Drive-In has created a bunch of theme hot dogs for the summer (including a Chicago Dog, an All-American Dog, Baja Dog, New York Dog, and Chili Cheese Coney). With the Fourth of July coming up, surely many people will be eating hot dogs. What toppings do you eat on top of your hot dog?
just mustard, sometimes chili and cheese
8) If Love Potion #9 is an elixir for love, what is your potion for moving on and dating again after a bad breakup?
time, prayer, self exploration so I don't make the same mistakes next time (if there is to be a next time)
9) You have been given the opportunity to create a TV show of your own design -- any genre, any demographic, limitless budget. What is it called and what's the premise?
i have no idea...not anything I've ever desired so haven't ever given it any thought
10) Last week a 14-year-old female Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix named Yoda won the 2011 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Do you think she's really the world's ugliest dog or do you find some cuteness in her? (You can click the photo and make it bigger if you really want to.)
ya know how people say some things are so ugly they are cute...I think that statement applies here
FRIDAY
1) This weekend most people in the U.S. will be celebrating Independence Day. Have you ever been injured in some way by Fourth of July fireworks?
injured...no. But one year the wind blew the ashes over to where we were sitting to watch them
2) I'm going to buy you a $100 gift card to a restaurant, but there's a catch. It either has to be a fancy restaurant where $100 may not even cover the cost of one entire meal for you and another person or a cheap fast-food restaurant where $100 could provide you food for several weeks. Which would you choose -- the fancy restaurant or the fast-food place?
probably the fast food...there are very few things in this world...especially food...that are worth the amount of money paid for them
3) Will you be watching any fireworks this Independence Day? Or will you be setting off any of your own?
we won't be watching any "on" the 4th....the city fireworks were on Sat nite, and we went to a baseball game and watched fireworks after the game
4) If you could take home any animal from the zoo, which would it be and what would you name it?
maybe a meerkat...probably name it marykat, cuz that's what Kraig used to call them
5) If you were made into an action figure, what accessories would be included with you?
i don't know....probably a laptop and a phone
6) I've noticed that Facebook has totally become my way of keeping tabs on people who are no longer in my life. Have you ever used a social media website to "cyber-stalk" an ex-lover?
no, although i'm sure I've been accused of such, and maybe in the weeks following my separation from my husband, it was pretty accurate..but no more. I did have a weak moment on what should have been our anniversary and went to his fb page...and was quite surprised at his "god wants you to know" message that was posted on his wall. It could not have described him more perfectly...so I shared with my friend, and in a moment of childish vengeance, we "liked" the post, and she commented on it. But stalk....no. I have better things to spend my time on.
7) Saturday (July 2) is "I Forgot Day." What is something you'd like to permanently forget?
oh...i don't know...how about the moment I met the man I married...the only good to come from that union are my children, but I feel confident I would have been blessed with them anyway
8) I grew up right across the street from a cemetery, so graveyards are like a second home to me, but I know that's not how most people feel. Do cemeteries make you uncomfortable or are you okay being in one?
I'm ok being in one...they don't bother me...i used to do genealogy with my dad and in Oct we went to a family reunion and visited a family cemetary...I love looking at the gravestones. In fact, i adopted a phrase that was on one of an infant that had died....
It's hard to read...but it says "God's finger touched him, and he slept." I use that phrase now as the caption for pictures of my son that died at birth.
9) You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist off the earth. Who would it be?
I have pretty eclectic musical tastes and like a little bit of everything...except Rap.
10) You have one week to do whatever you want, all-expenses-paid, what things would you want to do?
3.) What do you find most challenging about blogging?
4.) Name a pet peeve you have about how other parents raise their kids. Go on…stir the pot.
5.) We often spend time and energy talking about people in our lives we don’t see enough of. Describe a person in your life you are in contact with often. What does he/she mean to you?
6.) If you could thank your mom for anything, what would it be? Create a video thanking her for something.
I will refer you to this post, which honestly does not even really do justice to what I feel for the person referenced.
